JRA's law firm represents competing interests in Farish project

9:17 AM,
Nov. 24, 2013

Renovated buildings in this southern view of Farish Street.

Written by

Brian Eason
beason@jackson.gannett.com

A Jackson law office paid to represent the interests of two public bodies in a multi-million dollar project was simultaneously working to undermine the lead developer and make money for another client.

The resulting turmoil on Farish Street is unmatched by any other public-private project in the city, but its symptoms are not unique. The Jackson Redevelopment Authority for decades has been guided by a law firm that works for many of the same companies that look to the agency for assistance, as well as some of the lenders that fund them.